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Security officials said there was no altercation and there would be no investigation — but the NBA says it is looking into an incident that could lead to fines, suspensions.

By John Rohde •
Published: November 15, 2012

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NBA investigates confrontation

As is the NBA's standard procedure, the league is investigating Wednesday night's confrontation between Thunder center Kendrick Perkins and Memphis power forward Zach Randolph at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Both players were ejected with 2:05 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Grizzlies' 107-97 victory and had an altercation in a hallway near the Thunder locker room after leaving the court. The players were separated by Oklahoma City police officers patrolling the area.

Security officials later said there was no altercation and there would be no investigation, but the league office confirmed Thursday it was looking into the incident to potentially levy fines and/or suspensions for both players.

The game was nationally televised on ESPN and a courtside microphone picked up what was said.

Perkins: “I'll meet you by the bus.”

Randolph: “I'll beat your (expletive).”

Asked Thursday what led to the incident, Perkins said: “Just too much talking. I wasn't frustrated, but at the same time I have a problem with losing. … You do have to see this team three more times and we can't be showing no signs of weakness.”

NOT CONCERNED

Perkins said there is no reason for concern with the Thunder's 6-3 record that already includes two home losses, but is he frustrated in any way?

“I wouldn't say that,” Perkins said after Thursday's light workout that followed a film session. “We're 6 and 3. Not bad. The way I look at it, out of every 10 games, we should go no less than 7 and 3.”

“They have that other guy that's like a Tasmanian devil,” Hollins said of Westbrook. “That guy is so quick, so aggressive, so tough and he's looking to attack every time he has the ball. One of the things that makes Durant's job easier is having Westbrook have the ball on his hands. You have to contend with Westbrook, and there's Durant, who's up for Most Valuable Player. That's a heckuva thing to have.